Incomplete Project #47

Probably more truthful that any other title I could come up with.

It was time to test out the fan brushless motor with a home-designed 3d printed impeller. Checked out a few YouTube videos nad it seemed the design process was not too tricky. Of course, when it came to do it myself, I really didn't know what I was trying to achieve. Need to do more research and figure out what is the ideal form for an impeller to provide strong dirt suction. I know it is not going to be anything like a mains powered vacuum cleaner, but it still needs to get every bit of suction that is possible.

I was quite surprised how it worked out in the end. Only needed one attempt to print and it all fitted as designed. I will take a win whenever it arises.

The first power up test worked quite well. The RPM was around what it should be. The current draw was a lot less than the maximum so the motor was lightly loaded. That means I should be able to make a bigger impeller and improve the airflow.

And there ended the testing of the impeller. Sometimes you are a winner, other times a looser. I was aware of the warning on the ebay listing: (Attention: Do not change the rotation direction when the motor is working or it will damage the drive). From now on I will make sure the motor and controller are powered from the same power source. I can't rely on the separate 5v battery supply that powers off when the battery goes flat - as what happened in this case.

Have to wait now for the delivery of motor number 2 on the slow boat from China. I can use the time researching impellers and get a propery design modelled up now that I know it technically works.